JOKARI // HEALTHY STEPS

Design for healthy lifestyles.

Jokari Inc. came to IN2 Innovation with a compelling
opportunity. What can we do to promote wellness and help people prepare and
consume meals in a happier, healthier way?
And, as an additional challenge, they need to be very affordable with an
average retail price around $5 each. In the end, we created an initial line up
of 10 innovative, portion control kitchen gadgets and preparation tools
promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

IN2 Innovation began by spending time with individuals
and families while they cooked and prepared meals and discussed their hurried
lifestyles, eating habits and cuisine desires.
Our research led us to some interesting findings. Most importantly, people wanted simple ways
to be reminded what correct portions looked like, so they don’t prepare more than
they should be eating. Simply put,
portion control is key.

Throughout
the front end of the project, we evaluated existing kitchen gadgets. Working
with a certified nutritionist to fully understand key nutritional requirements
and proper portions, we brainstormed on how we could convert the most basic
tools like a spatula, slotted spoon, ladle, strainer etc. into measuring
devices. We created test models and
tried them out in working kitchens, including our own.

As
the product list developed, we set out to create an aesthetic that matched the
simplicity of use.A rounded form
fitting handle was designed that could be used on many of the different
products allowing us to reduce the cost of the individual items.A bright and cheery green was chosen for the
handle to portray a fresh and wellness feeling while allowing the tools to be
easily spotted in a crowded gadget drawer or vessel.An accompanying gray color with minimal
texture was selected to highlight the measurement markings molded into the
product, eliminating the cost of printing and to make sure the markings would
not wear off over time. Gray was also utilized to contrast with the food, to
visually reinforce the size of the proportions.

For
food preparation, we wanted to provide multi-use options in the tools,
enhancing the product offerings and minimizing the need for multiple, separate
tools in the kitchen drawer.Several of
the products offer 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 feature sets such as the Citrus Pro which
can ream, zest, peel and create citrus garnish all with one tool.

IMPACT:Today, the products
are distributed worldwide under the Healthy Steps brand and have helped many
individuals take control of their eating habits, lose weight, and achieve a
healthy lifestyle.

IN2 Innovation was
instrumental in bringing the majority of the products from the initial
discovery of the opportunity, through design, development and deployment into
the marketplace.